Larissa

Larissa (Greek: Λάρισα), has a population of 162,591 people (2011). It is the 4th largest city in Greece, and is in Thessaly, between Athens (355 km) and Thessaloniki (150 km). A lively agricultural and university town, it is visited by few tourists. Nevertheless, its sights and energetic cafe and bar scene make it worth a stop.

History
Larissa is one of the oldest settlements in Greece with artifacts uncovered dating at least the Neolithic period (6000 BC). The name means "stronghold" in ancient Greek. It was also the head of the Thessalian League during the Hellenistic and Roman era. Today, it's a modern city and is Thessaly's capital.

By plane


There is a bus connecting the airport and Volos bus station. Buses are scheduled based on flights. The cost from the airport to Volos Bus station is €3. Then you need to get another bus or train from Volos to Larissa. The bus station in Volos is about 1 km from the train station.

The nearest airport offering year-round international service is in Thessaloniki about 2½ hours away.

By international bus
There are buses connecting Larissa with some eastern European cities. FPtravel (Serbia, Hungary).

By regional bus
Interurban coaches (("KTEL" buses) in Greek) are by far the most convenient way to travel around Greece, as well as for intra-regional travelling. There is frequent bus service between Athens Liossion Station and Larissa about 15 times a day (cost is about €30), as well as from Thessaloniki bus terminal "Macedonia" to Larissa about 10 times a day (about €13.5). KTEL buses have free Wi-Fi and coffee.



By train
TrainOSE connect Larissa to other cities in Greece including Athens, Thessaloniki, and Volos. Travelling with ordinary trains can be cheaper, although a little bit slower, whereas choosing a fancy faster Intercity train will cost the same amount of money, or even more than a KTEL bus.

By foot
The best way to get around the central district, since most of the streets in the commercial centre are pedestrianized. This area is small enough so that most locations are just a few minutes apart.

By bicycle
Larissa is a flat city thus bicycle in a nice way to explore it. The city centre has many pedestrian streets. There are also some streets with bicycle lanes: Papanastasiou st., part of Kyprou st.

By car
Parking in the central district can be a challenge, especially on-street parking. There are parking lots scattered throughout town.

By bus
There is an efficient public transport system going around the city (ticket price about €1), detailed info in the regional bus terminal (called "Astiko KTEL") or at its official website.

By taxi
Taxis in Larissa, as everywhere in Greece are comparably cheap. You should not pay more than €4 if you hail a cab (silver colour) on the road to take you anywhere in the city. Taxi meters have two rates - rate 1 applies from 05:00 till 24:00, and rate 2, the double rate, from midnight to 05:00. Taxi fare fraud is not widespread but it still happens, so make sure the rate is correct. If you feel you have been overcharged, ask for a receipt (they are obliged to give one) and take the plate number, then phone the tourist police to report the driver on 171. Expect to pay €1 or €2 extra if you take a taxi from the bus station or the train station, and a surcharge if you call for a taxi service on demand.

See




Cinemas
Films shown in original language with Greek subtitles. Cartoons are often translated to Greek.



Cycling
During the summer months you may have the chance to follow the weekly night ride. Bikers usually gather every Thursday night at the Central Square and form a large group that later rovers on a common route around the city.

Running
Various running events take place in the city during the year with the most notable ones being:



Many locals enjoy training by the river which offers paths almost 1.5 km long on each side.

Drink
Winter bars, pubs and clubs, usually close down during summer. Most of them have a different facility for the summer. Dancing in clubs is common only during a party.

Winter
Tsipouro is a very famous beverage in Greece, but most of the areas in Thessaly are famous for making some of the purest and strongest tsipouro in the country. It's really good in cold weather, because of its high concentration in alcohol. Tyrnavos is known for its local production which is known and sold as Tsipouro Tyrnavou.

Clubs:

It

Summer
Tsipouro, ouzo or wine, as in the rest of Greece, are good choices. There are many bars downtown, so the visitor is not expected to have any problem finding a place to enjoy a drink. Youths buy drinks and sit around the Frourio square during the summer nights while the restaurants and pubs in that area thrive with people this season. Another popular place is Neapoli square where a big number of pubs is to be found around the square.

Buy


There many shops downtown. Be aware that shopping hours vary by the day of the week. Monday-Saturday shops are open from around 09:00 to 14:00. Monday, Wednesday and Friday they reopen around 18:00 and stay open until 20:00-21:00. On Sundays about the only places open are cafes, restaurants, and kiosks.

Farmers market
The People's Market, locally known as "Laiki agora", is a weekly event in many Greek cities. Farmers sell their fresh products directly to the housekeepers for very affordable prices from morning to noon. Peoples Market instances in Larissa include:
 * Every Saturday in the Neapoli region on the street "Dimitri Karaoli"
 * Every Wednesday on the street "Kalitheas" next to Pinios river.

Eat
There are plenty of options for eating out in Larissa.


 * Taverns, (Ταβέρνα), are where mostly meat dishes are served.
 * Restaurants, (Εστιατόριο), Greek dishes can be found at most of them, however there are Italian and Chinese restaurants options as well.
 * Psistaries, (Ψησταριά), these are grill houses. These serve mostly meat, salads and french fries. The meat usually is ordered by weight, and the price is per kilo also. One portion is 330 g of grilled meat.
 * Fast Food, choices are local Souvlatzidika, (Οβελιστήριο or Σουβλατζίδικο) where souvlaki is served, and typical fast food chains such as Goody's, To-Eat, and Everest.

There is a large concentration of restaurants along Filellinon Street on the north side of the central district.

People in Greece usually eat late in the evening (21:00-24:00); during the day most taverns, psistaries and restaurants are closed. However, fast-food restaurants are open all day long.

Sleep
There are many hotels in Larissa. Most are in centre. Car parking could be hard to find in the centre of Larissa.

Budget
(1 and 2 stars)



Mid-range
(3 and 4 stars)





Nearby
Metaxochori



Stay safe
Dial 112 in case of emergency.



Go next
Nearby are the famous Meteora, the Mount Olympos National Park, and Tembi Valley. They can be reached by train, bus or car.